This publication presents results from the Survey of Education and Training (SET) which was conducted nationally by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from March to June 2009. Information was collected, by personal interview, from individuals on their participation in education and training and on their educational attainment.

This publication contains a cross-section of results relating to education and training and includes a number of time series tables. Analytical text to support the tables is provided in the Summary of Findings and differences between data items discussed are statistically significant unless otherwise specified. The Explanatory Notes provide information about the survey design and methodology, the quality and interpretation of survey results, and information about other products and services available or planned.

This publication includes Data Cubes in spreadsheet format which are available on the ABS web site <http/www.abs.gov.au>. Data Cubes will also be made available for each State or Territory where data quality and confidentiality requirements permit.

CHANGES IN THIS ISSUE

As a result of a major review of SET, which was undertaken in consultation with key stakeholders in 2007, a number of changes were introduced in the 2009 cycle. The scope of the SET was modified in 2009 to include persons aged 15-74. However, the bulk of the questionnaire was asked of persons aged 15-64 years and persons aged 65 to 74 years who were in or marginally attached to the labour force. Persons aged 65--74 years who were in scope but not in the population of interest were sequenced to the end of the questionnaire once their labour force status had been established. For further details, see paragraphs 4-7 of the Explanatory Notes.

The content of SET also changed in 2009. Most notably, the definitions of learning activities have been aligned with the international Classification of learning activities(CLA), resulting in the inclusion of a third category of learning. Participation in informal learning was collected for the first time, to capture information about lifelong learning undertaken by respondents. Information collected about formal qualifications was also expanded to include all formal qualifications completed by respondents rather than the highest three.

Significant definitional changes have been introduced to the 'work-related training' module and an education and employment outcomes topic has been included within the questionnaire. There have also been a number of classificatory changes to align with new ABS standards. Further details can be found in paragraphs 32-53 of the Explanatory Notes and in the Glossary.

ROUNDING

As estimates have been rounded, discrepancies may occur between the sums of the component items and totals.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.